Our new MA in Public Administration and Policy programme seeks to equip you with advanced theoretical, methodological and practical tools to research public administration and policy.
Introduction
Through the study of carefully selected compulsory and optional modules, you will explore the relationship between theory, practice and contemporary developments in the regional, national and international sphere of public administration and policy.
Who is this course for?
The MPA is suitable for graduates from any subject background who have an interest in careers in government and administrative services (both nationally and internationally), NGOs and third sector organisations, advocacy groups and journalism and academia.
What you'll learn
How to deploy an advanced range of knowledge to design policies in a range of public administrative contexts
Critical appraisal of public administration and policy
Application of theories of public administration to practical scenarios, including real-world public administration problems and challenges
Implementation of research methods in the field of social sciences to the study of public administration and policy
Evaluation of problems of public administration and policy at local, national, regional and global levels and propose evidence informed solutions or approaches to those problems
Communication to a diverse set of audiences, stakeholders, practitioners and academics, while maintaining academic rigour.
By the end of the programme you will be able to analyse and evaluate the contemporary challenges facing public administration and policy and formulate strategies to address them effectively.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
Part-time Year 1 students take 30 credits of required modules in Semester 1
Compulsory modules:
POLI551 – Public Administration and Policy research skills and methods
POLI552 – Understanding Public Administration and Policy
POLI553 – Navigating normative issues in Public Administration and Policy
Optional modules
CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND TRANSFORMATION (POLI513)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module follows the evolution of the field of conflict studies: from the early adoption of an IR framework of bargaining to explaining conflicts within states, to testing structural, country-level correlates of conflict resolution or recurrence, to the recognition of multidimensional conflicts and the shift toward dyadic data, and finally, to the recent focus on armed group fluidity and theories about how rebel spoiling, splintering, and alliances lead conflicts to take new forms.
THE INTERNATIONAL POLITICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST (POLI130)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module looks at the international politics of the Middle East, focusing primarily onidentity and security issues. At a general level, it seeks to provide a comprehensive account of the issues on the security agenda of governments and international organizations at a time of turbulence and change in the Arabworld. It takes the broader view of security as understood within the field of International Relations. Thus, in addition to the study of causes of conflict and co-operation, it is concerned with a wider range of issues that have the potential to bring greater political stability or instability. The nature of regimes and the significance of democratisation efforts for regional stabilityare central concerns of the module. It involves analysis of state structures, the pattern of relations between states, the political economy, new transnational movements, the role of identity and belief systems and the involvement of external powers.Special attention is paid to the Arab-Israeli conflict and other regional conflicts.
AFRICA-CHINA RELATIONS IN A CHANGING GLOBAL ORDER (POLI305)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This third year module examines how burgeoning economic, political and security relations between Africa and China are contributing to changes in the global order. Challenging framings of states in Africa as ‘system ineffectual’, inconsequential to global politics, and lacking material and ideational capabilities to structure their foreign relations, the module, through critical IR theories, examines how these states’, the rise of China and the dynamics in China-Africa relations are impacting, shaping and reframing the norms and practices of development and global security governance.
EU AS AN INTERNATIONAL ACTOR (POLI328)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module explores the role of the EU as an international actor in the sphere of foreign policy, international relations, and security and defence. It analyses the historical development of EU foreign policy and its various dimensions, the main institutions and players involved, but also the different roles the EU assumes when acting internationally, and how it relates to regional and global partners. The module delves into some critical questions about the nature of the EU- whether it actually is an actor capable of making a distinct foreign policy- and whether any policy-making at EU level, particularly in matters of security and defence, is legitimate. This module can build on previous knowledge about EU history and integration or can provide new and specialised knowledge about this organisation’s foreign policy.
ADVANCED TOPICS IN ELECTORAL RESEARCH (POLI518)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module examines some of the most crucial topics in contemporary electoral research, and aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the factors explaining people’s political preferences and electoral behaviour in different contexts. The module takes an interdisciplinary approach that combines sociology, psychology and political science. Geographically speaking, this is a comparative module that focuses on full democracies, and students are encouraged to think about how the mechanisms covered in the different sessions may(or may not) work in other democratic contexts.
CONTEMPORARY ANTI-SLAVERY, FORCED LABOUR AND HUMAN RIGHTS (POLI150)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The majority of teaching will be delivered face-to-face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on-campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.
This module requires students to engage with contemporary forms of exploitation often categorised as ‘slavery’, to consider the origins and human experience of such activities, to assess proposals for combating them, and to apply these to an independent research project. Seminars will challenge students to analyse the major themes in legal and political responses to trafficking, forced labour and other forms of human rights abuse analogous to slavery. Students will develop strategies for researching practices and policies relating to contemporary ‘slaveries’ and they will develop an independent study of a particular aspect.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
Compulsory modules:
POLI554 – Innovations in Public Policy
POLI555 – When Government fails: Public Policy Failures and how to avoid
POLI556 – Crisis leadership in public life
Optional modules
POLITICS IN ACTION ADVANCED PLACEMENT SCHEME (POLI500)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module provides an opportunity for students to gain credit from experience acquired in a placement, usually off campus, and outside their immediate academic context, in a setting that matches their academic and possible career/industry interests. During this placement students will have the chance to develop materials and/or undertake tasks within a practical or vocational context; to apply academic knowledge from their degree, and to develop their personal and employability skills within a working environment. Students will also be encouraged to critically reflect on their time on their placement, and tie their experiences into a broader theoretical understanding of what constitutes ‘politics’.
BREXIT AND BEYOND (POLI522)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The module analyses the process leading to Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union and the form it took (referendum and withdrawal agreement) as well as the ongoing implications for British politics, society and culture.
COMPARATIVE PEACE PROCESSES (POLI133)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
Comparative Peace Processes examines the similarities and differences between peace processes. What common features can be identified in terms of how and why peace processes develop? What aspects of threat removal are most common, such as decommissioning, disarmament and reintegration? What political tools, such as consociation, partition, secession, devolution or integration, might be used? After a short overview, the module addresses these questions via a series of case studies, including Northern Ireland, Lebanon, Israel-Palestine Bosnia and the Basque region.
PUBLIC POLICY: AN ADVANCED INTRODUCTION (POLI310)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module explores the theories, ideas and concepts that underpin the development of contemporary public policies.
GENDER AND GLOBAL POLITICS (POLI349)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module provides alternative perspectives on global politics, drawing on feminist theory and gender analysis, with a focus on conflict and peace, and the implications for global politics and International Relations (IR). The module will engage with theoretical concerns (how are women affected differently by conflict and peace, how do we engage feminist methodologies) to practical concerns (conflict, security, participation, sexual violence, human rights). Theories and concepts will be illustrated with relevant global case studies and examples. The module aims to encourage engaged, critical reflection on feminist approaches to our understanding of issues in world politics.
INTERNATIONAL INTERVENTION (POLI321)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module examines the different ways in which states intervene in the domestic affairs of other states or territories such as humanitarian intervention, invasion, annexation, peacekeeping, and colonial interventions. It explores how intervention has changed and developed historically, especially during and after the Cold War. It analyses whether state-practice has out-run the rules and norms that guide international state behaviour, particularly the legal framework of the United Nations and other relevant bodies of international law.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
POLI531 – Political Science Dissertation
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
Teaching is chiefly by two-hour seminars with some lecture and workshop input within the seminars. The seminars are the primary forum where concepts, ideas and information will be communicated to you. You will have the opportunity to discuss the content of seminars during office hours that are offered by all teaching staff.
The emphasis on seminars as a teaching tool reflects the belief among teaching staff that it permits a suitable array of teaching and learning exercises to be fitted into the learning environment for students. The required modules for the programme include teaching exercises for some small group work and guest appearances from practitioner and stakeholder communities in order to convey to students the diverse nature of the applications of public administration and policy.
Studying part time
International students may be able to study this course on a part-time basis but this is dependent on visa regulations. Please visit the Government website for more information about student visas.
If you’re able to study part-time, you’ll study a selection of key modules from the full-time master’s degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.
Studying part-time means you can study alongside work or any other life commitments. You will study the same modules as the full-time master’s degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.
How you're assessed
All modules are designed to be assessed in an appropriate manner. For the required modules there is a mix of essays, presentation and participation marks, examination, group work and forms of authentic assessment such as podcasts and practitioner briefings to policy-makers. Our aim is to create a programme based on global citizenships that fits within the international dimensions of the MPA. This permits students to be exposed to a variety of learning and assessment methods in order to develop their skills as well as retention of knowledge of a complex series of political and intellectual topics.
Alongside the formal assessment, students will also be exposed to a wide range of activities during seminars to ensure they are able to foster their communication skills through peer-to-peer learning and oral presentations, simulation and role play activities. This variety of assessments engages students with techniques appropriate to their research specialisms and better prepares them for employment or further research.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
The Department of Politics is based in the School of Histories, Language and Cultures, although teaching will take place across the campus. Within the department, there is a diverse student population consisting of a wide ethnic mix, home/EU and international students and a number of mature students. We provide a safe place where staff and students can be their authentic selves in the workplace and their everyday lives. We do this by being an inclusive and supportive environment where our diverse community of scholars and students offer support through allyship and support for all.
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Why Politics at University of Liverpool?
We are able to offer an excellent range of modules providing both a national and international focus. Pathways offer students module choices to develop their own specialist interests
We are a small department that works to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Due to the small size of the seminar groups and the MA programmes in general, lecturers know students individually, and are easily accessible
The Department of Politics is home to the Europe and the World Research Centre, through which you will you will be able to take advantage of the strong programme of organised activities such as conferences, guest lectures, seminars
We aim to be a flexible and open department. We adopt a positive and flexible policy towards the postgraduate requirements of overseas and/or part-time students, including effective timetabling on taught programmes and facilitation of language training.
The programme is designed to provide you with transferable employability skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration and team-work, creativity, persuasion, adaptability and research skills. You will develop your analytical skills and empirical knowledge, so that you are prepared for careers in government and administrative services (both nationally and internationally), NGOs and third sector organisations, advocacy groups and journalism and academia.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
The programme is designed to provide transferable employability skills such as:
Critical thinking
Communication
Collaboration and team-work
Creativity
Persuasion, adaptability and research skills as their key components.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£11,700
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£24,100
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Admission to the programme is on an annual basis. We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. There is no specification of degree subject but sports, music or fashion degrees would not normally be considered as sole eligibility for the course.
However, applicants with a prior undergraduate degree in either international politics/international relations, a related social science or humanities degree will benefit from taking this degree. Non-graduates will be considered for admission provided they satisfy general University requirements and possess appropriate professional qualifications or experience.
Work experience is desirable, but not a requirement for admission. Previous work experience will not qualify a student for advanced standing.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88-89
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
